Nu Cybertek, Inc. specializes in the fabric hand evaluation of sheet-type fibrous products like paper, fabrics (woven and knitted), non-wovens, and leather that come into contact with human skin. Their flagship product, the PhabrOmeter instrument, sets the industry standard for the fabric hand evaluation of textiles. It offers accurate and reliable measurements, enabling industries across various sectors to enhance product quality effectively.
Founded by Dr. Ning Pan and his wife, Linda Huang, Nu Cybertek has made significant strides in the industry with PhabrOmeter. Despite a small team and limited resources, its innovations have earned global recognition and industry standards.
Dr. Ning Pan is a professor of material science and textiles at UC Davis. He obtained his PhD from a leading textile university in China, becoming the first PhD in his field in the country. His dissertation, published in the late 1980s, was ahead of its time. With over 30 years at UC Davis, he is recognized as a top expert in his field globally.
Before coming to the US, he conducted research in New Zealand and later pursued postdoctoral work at MIT under Professor Baker, a prominent figure in the field. During this time, he authored five research papers and secured funding from Dupont. His contributions include inventing the supercapacitor for batteries, influencing both academia and industry.
In 1990, he joined UC Davis as a tenured professor. His work spans across industries, notably developing a machine that tests hand feeling, which led to the conceptualization of the PhabrOmeter. The device was designed to meet the industry’s need for a reliable way to measure the fabric hand qualities of soft materials, which had previously been subjective and inconsistent.
Recognizing the potential of Dr. Pan’s Ph.D. dissertation, Linda Huang, who holds an M.S. in Computer Science, saw an opportunity to transform the theoretical model into a practical application. Leveraging her experience in coding and hardware design, she began working on the PhabrOmeter in 2007.
Despite initial challenges with manufacturing quality, the couple’s perseverance paid off as they refined the design and found local partners to produce a reliable machine. Their efforts culminated in the PhabrOmeter gaining recognition as the U.S. AATCC Industry Standard for fabric hand evaluation, a testament to their dedication and ingenuity.
With Linda’s nephew, Roger Huang, joining as the Director of Asia Pacific, Nu Cybertek expanded its reach. Roger’s presence in China helped address local needs and foster relationships with companies and schools across the Asia Pacific region. His role ensured that the company maintained strong connections with its customers, facilitating the growth and adoption of the PhabrOmeter in new markets.
Nu Cybertek’s story is one of innovation and collaboration. From Dr. Ning Pan’s pioneering research to Linda Huang’s technical expertise and Roger Huang’s regional leadership, the company has built a legacy of excellence in fabric hand evaluation. As they continue to develop new technologies and expand their impact, Nu Cybertek remains at the forefront of the industry, driving advancements that benefit both businesses and consumers.
